After notching notable gains in the holiday-shortened week, traders returned to familiar fiscal-cliff storm clouds, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) treading red ink throughout the day. However, the uncertainty was far from a domestic issue; euro-zone ministers convened to discuss another round of aid for Greece. Against this backdrop, and despite reports of a record Black Friday weekend, the Dow surrendered its perch atop the 13,000 level, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) snapped its five-session winning streak.

Continue reading for more on today's market events, including:

• Daily Game Plan: Which psychologically significant level is serving as a bull-bear battleground? Senior Trading Analyst Bryan Sapp weighs in.
• Chart of the Day: Senior Options Strategist Tony Venosa, CMT, makes a bullish case for this outperforming food producer.
• In Focus: Why these 5 retail stocks look ripe for end-of-year gains.

• Everything You Need to Know: Your one-stop shop for levels to watch, economic data, earnings reports, stocks on the move, and commodities action.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was down more than 100 points at its session low, but found an intraday foothold in the 12,900 area. By the close, the blue-chip barometer gave up 42 points, or 0.3%, breaching both the 13,000 level and its 200-day moving average. Among the Dow's 30 components, Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) led the eight advancing equities, tacking on 2.4%, while American Express (NYSE:AXP) and Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) led the bearish majority, shedding 1.5% apiece.

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) also pared its losses in afternoon action, settling on a deficit of 2.9 points, or 0.2%, to halt its five-day rally. On the other hand, the Nasdaq Composite (COMP) clawed its way out of the red, advancing 9.9 points, or 0.3%, to end a second straight session atop its 20-day trendline.

The CBOE Market Volatility Index (VIX) spent the day comfortably north of breakeven, adding 2.4% by the close.

A Trader's Take

"There are continued worries out of Europe and Greece, but the major indices are also facing overhead resistance from their former May high and October low," said Schaeffer's Senior Equity Analyst Joe Bell. "Congress is also coming back from Thanksgiving vacation, and the fiscal-cliff issues will once again take center stage in the coming weeks."

There were a few bright spots today, though. "Technology stock holders had a lot to cheer about, as Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and several tech stocks led the broad market. Considering the strong run-up we've had during the past several days, today's sell-off isn't all that surprising as people come back from the holiday weekend."

Economic and Earnings News

The Chicago Fed's National Activity Index fell to -0.56 in October from zero in September, thanks in part to Hurricane Sandy-related production dips last month. The index's three-month moving average fell to -0.56 in October from -0.36 in September, marking its eighth straight negative reading and its lowest reading in nearly three years. A three-month trendline reading of -0.70 can portend domestic recessionary pressures, according to the Fed.

The Dallas Fed's manufacturing index fell to negative 2.8 in November, down from October's reading of 1.8. The drop below zero points to a contraction in Dallas-area factory activity during the month. Economists had their sights set markedly higher, with the consensus calling for a rise to 4.7.

More Stocks Making News:

• Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) scored upbeat analyst attention.
• Amazon.com (AMZN) was the leading Black Friday online destination.
• Aeropostale (NYSE:ARO) was slapped with a downgrade.
• Deckers Outdoor (NASDAQ:DECK) could be an attractive acquisition target, according to Bloomberg News.
• Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) jumped to an all-time high.

For today's activity in commodities, options, and more, head to page 2.